Aussie paceman Lee handed fine

Australia paceman Brett Lee has been fined 25% of his match fee for excessive appealing during the second Test against England in Adelaide.

Lee was found to have breached the International Cricket Council's code of conduct which relates to celebrating a dismissal before the decision has been given.

He was found guilty by match referee Jeff Crowe in a hearing which took place following the third day's play.

The incident occurred during the fourth over of the second day's play on Saturday, when Lee thought Kevin Pietersen had been caught behind.

Crowe said: "Brett is confused about this verdict in that he thought he saw the umpire gesture that it was out.

"The simple fact is that Brett did not stop and wait for the umpire's actual decision, out or not out, before starting his celebrations, something that has been stipulated over the past three years.

"This is not new territory and the judgment is consistent with other similar breaches."

The charge was brought by umpires Rudi Koertzen, Steve Bucknor and Steve Davis.

Crowe reached his conclusion after a hearing attended by Lee, Australia team manager Steve Bernard, coach John Buchanan and the umpires.